Maintaining Respectful Environments at KSU

Kennesaw State University ("KSU") is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

Every member of the KSU community is expected to uphold this policy as a matter of mutual respect and fundamental fairness in human relations. All members of the faculty, staff, and student body are expected to ensure that nondiscriminatory practices are followed at the University.

For additional information or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 202, eeo@kennesaw.edu, or by making a report.

KSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy is consistent with the requirements and objectives of Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, Executive Order 11246, as amended, the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Rights Act of 1994, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 and the Georgia Fair Employment Act of 1978, as amended. In addition, KSU has implemented an internal policy which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Prohibited Conduct

Discrimination

Decision-making is based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status.

Discriminatory Harassment

Unwelcome verbal or physical conduct based on race, color, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status, when it is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive to:

a. Unreasonably interfere with the individual’s work or educational performance;

b. Create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment; or

c. Unreasonably interfere with or limits one’s ability to participate in or benefit from an institutional program or activity. 

Retaliation

Retaliation means any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment against an individual because that individual:

  • In good faith, reports what she or he believed to be discrimination or harassment based on a protected category (race, color, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, veteran or military status),
  • Participated or cooperated in an Office of Institutional Equity investigation, or
  • Was otherwise associated with an Office of Institutional Equity investigation.

Incidents of harassment and discrimination will be met with appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, expulsion, or termination from KSU. University community members found to have engaged in retaliation in violation of the Non-Discrimination Policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

To address alleged violations by employees, KSU follows the USG HRAP Administrative Practice Manual procedures prohibiting discrimination and harassment.

To address alleged violations by students, KSU follows the Standards for Institutional Student Conduct Investigation and Disciplinary Proceedings, USG Board of Regents 4.6.5.